Darien's patriotic parade celebrates creativity

Published 5:39 pm, Monday, June 30, 2014

Piper and Lauren Savino participate in the 2013 Push-n-Pull Parade in Darien, Conn. The event, presented by the YWCA Darien/Norwalk, returns Friday, July 4, 2014, for its 10th year. Prizes will be awarded for the most imaginative decorations of nonmotorized vehicles. For more information on entering, visit ywcadariennorwalk.org or call 203-655-2535.
Photo: Contributed Photo

For the past nine years, all manner of nonmotorized vehicles and their riders have rolled up to the Goodwives Shopping Center in Darien intent on making a spectacle of themselves. This year, for the 10th time, such spirit remains the same, but there will be a few new attractions to celebrate the milestone.

The YWCA Darien/Norwalk Push-n-Pull Parade returns the morning of Friday, July 4, offering families a chance to show off the bikes, wagons, scooters and other nonmotorized vehicles they have created and decorated for the event. The parade, which will feature elected officials, a special visit by "Uncle Sam" (Darien resident Joe Warren) and firetruck escorts, will make its way from the shopping center to the Post Road and on to Tilley Pond Park, where there will be food and entertainment. Throughout the day there will be music, including Mary Ann Hall's Music for Children and Ray and Jay.

Last year, the parade drew close to 3,000 people. This year, those who gather will get to see this year's winners, who will be picked in multiple categories and serve as honorary grand marshals -- which is new this year. You must be under 18 to enter; family participants must have one child under the age of 18. Money raised during the event benefits the YWCA Darien/Norwalk's community service programs.